I am new to riding. I got my 06 fatboy last August. Since then I have put over 8000 miles on it. Since I ride it so much, I can see that maintenance is going to be expensive. I would like to start preforming regular maintenance myself. Where do I start with this. What types of tools would I need to start buying. Is there a recommended manual I could get that would show me what needs to happen and how to do it.
Any advice I could get on this would be great.
Mawwk

 

I'd buy a service manual.It tells you when to do the maintanance plus how to dissasymble it and repair it. Mine paid for itself on the first repair. Do you have any hand tools? If not maybe a set of metric and SAE open/box end wrenches and socket sets. A torque wrench. A filter wrench. Get some oil and a filter, that should get you started.Maybe alift or jack or something to at least stand the bike up off the stand.Then you can start doing your own repairs if needed. Do a search here here are lots of good info to be found here. Will cost some to get started but then can do it yourself and not jack with the stealers. Take it easy and ask lots of questions.

 

Off the top of my head, you will need what rocaksandgiz said, plus you will also need a belt tension tester and hex/torx sockets. Loc-tite and anti-sieze are also helpful. I am sure there is more I am leaving out, but that's all I can think of right now.
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I do all my own maintnance. I can second getting the service manual for the bike. Basic hand tools are a must as well. If I am going to work on my bike I make sure I have no distractions like buddies hanging around etc. Most things are easy but then again I work on German cars for a living so the bike is very simple by comparison. I also double check everything I do. Our ding guy got into a bad wreck as one of his riding buddies had done something with his floor boards before they went on a ride and the floor board fell off and got lodged in his front wheel and he went down. It's always better to double or even triple check your work.

 

Thanks guys. I have already went on ebay and bought the manual. I am going to slowing start buying the tools that I don't already have.

 

Sears sells a 144 piece set that will have most everything you need except the filter wrench and torque wrenches. I think I saw it for like $125. pep Boys sells a Motorcycle Jack for $39 as well - It works awesome.

 

I have not watchedthem, but the DVD's from www.fixmyhog.com have gotten some good reviews. They have maintenance and performance DVD's.

Cam

 

DaveJ is right, I forgot the Torx set thats mandatory. Maybe a set of allen wreches also and lots of patience. I get frustrated easily. I have to learn to just walk away from it for a while. Then come back to it and it goes a lot easier than fighting it. Oh yea, have fun.

 

Service Manual
Inch pound torque wrench
Foot Pound torque wrench
A good set of wrenches and sockets.
Torex bit set
Caution there are torex that are #27. If you use a #25 you will strip the head.
Allen bit set for sockets and screw driver. You will want to get extended for a few sizes.
Oil filter wrench Harley has a good one that is not that expensive.
Jack There are a lot of opinions on this. Prices will range fro $50 to a couple of hundred. I use the sears yellow.
Wheel chock. This item is optional. It holds the mc up straight by rolling the wheel into it.

There is always someone on here that will provide help and support.

And no for those that will say it. You should not convert from inlb to ftlb. Dang near everything you will be using would be under 10 to 15lbs. To low on the scale to be accurate.

 

you guys forgot the most important tools of all, a big hammer and beer. jeez how do you get any work done?